In Europe it has strong headwinds. But in the United States, VW would hardly be able to do business without the Passat. That's why the sedan is now in the next generation.
The American VW boss Scott Keogh has a good laugh. Because despite the aftermath of the diesel scandal, things are going uphill again for Lower Saxony in the USA. And there is much to suggest that Keogh does not have to frown on 2019 either. It is not for nothing that he starts the year in Detroit with an important premiere and launches a new Passat.
The sedan is particularly important for VW in America. First, because it was the first car from the new plant in Chattanooga. Secondly, because the Passat was developed for the first time consistently for American needs. For example, it was not quite as sophisticated as the German version, not as elegant and not as ambitious, but instead it offered significantly more cars for significantly less money.
The Lower Saxony consistently continue on this path with the second generation of the US model. Although every sheet metal part is new, they do not switch to the modular cross-assembly kit, but remain with the old and therefore cheaper platform. And they do without extras that are as expensive as they are playful like the digital instruments. Instead, in addition to a fresh style with a little more finesse, there is a new, larger touchscreen behind glass and a design on the outside that testifies to a new self-confidence with the huge grille of the Atlas.
In addition, VW has brought the equipment up to scratch and retrofitted a range of assistance systems: LED headlights, emergency brake assist and blind spot control are now standard, and automatic distance control or active lane guidance are available at least for an additional charge. Just like the heated rear seats or the intelligent headlights.
VW has not yet announced a price for the new US model. But no matter how much the Lower Saxony hits, the tears will come to the Europeans. Because where the Passat starts with us with around 32 000 euros, the US will start at little more than 25 000 dollars.
Benjamin Bessinger / SP-X